Evaluation of a serum 17-hydroxyprogesterone as predictor of semen parameter(s) improvement in men undergoing medical treatment for infertility

Introduction: The goal of medical therapy for infertile men with testosterone deficiency (TD) is to improve intratesticular testosterone (ITT). There is a gap in knowledge to identify those who will respond with semen parameter(s) improvement. We hypothesized that serum 17-hydroxyprogesterone (17-OHP) — a marker of ITT — can be used to predict improvement of semen parameter(s). Methods: Between July 2018 and January 2020, we conducted a prospective study of 31 men with primary infertility, TD, and secondary hypogonadism receiving clomiphene citrate (CC) and/or human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) for three months. We assessed baseline and followup hormones, including testosterone, 17-OHP, semen parameter(s), and demographics. Semen quality upgrading was based on assisted reproduction eligibility: in-vitro fertilization (<5 million), intrauterine insemination (IUI) (5–9 million), and natural pregnancy (>9 million). Variables were compared using the Mann-Whitney U or Wilcoxon rank test. Results: Twenty-one men received CC and 10 received CC/hCG. Median followup was 3.7 (3.3–5.1) months. Sixteen men upgraded semen quality. Six of 10 men with baseline total motile sperm count (TMSC) of 0 had motile sperm after treatment, and 11/20 men with TMSC<5 upgraded semen quality into TMSC>5 range. Low 17-OHP was the only factor that predicted semen quality upgrading. Men with 17-OHP ≤55 ng/dL upgraded semen quality and improved hormones, whereas men with 17-OHP >55 ng/dL did not upgrade semen quality. Conclusions: Medical therapy for infertile men with TD resulted in the improvement of sperm concentration, TMSC, testosterone, and 17-OHP. Semen quality upgrading appears to be more significant in patients with low 17-OHP, suggesting that ITT can be used as a biomarker to predict semen parameter(s) improvement.

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Semen quality pattern and age threshold: a retrospective cross-sectional study of 71,623 infertile men in China, between 2011 and 2017

Reproductive Biology and Endocrinology ◽

10.1186/s12958-019-0551-2 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 17 (1) ◽

Cited By ~ 1

Author(s):

W. N. Li ◽

M. M. Jia ◽

Y. Q. Peng ◽

R. Ding ◽

L. Q. Fan ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Semen Quality ◽

Sperm Count ◽

Sperm Concentration ◽

Cross Sectional Study ◽

Semen Parameters ◽

Sectional Study ◽

Joinpoint Regression ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Progressive Motility ◽

Infertile Men

Abstract Background The aim of this study was to provide information on the semen quality pattern of infertile men and age thresholds for semen parameters in China. Methods This was a retrospective cross-sectional study investigating 71,623 infertile men from the Reproductive and Genetic Hospital of CITIC Xiangya in Hunan, China, from 2011 to 2017. The Kruskal-Wallis test, Mann-Kendall test, linear regression model and joinpoint regression were used. Results Although erratic changes were observed in the median semen parameters (sperm concentration 40.1–52.1 × 106/ml, total sperm count 117.8–153.1 × 106, sperm progressive motility 33.4–38.1%) during the 7 years of observation, no significant decrease in semen quality was found, and 47.88% of infertile men showed normal semen parameters according to the World Health Organization (WHO) criteria. According to the joinpoint regression analysis, sperm progressive motility appeared to decrease earlier than the sperm concentration and total sperm count (at 28, 58, and 42 years of age, respectively). Conclusions There is no evidence of a deterioration in semen quality among infertile men in Hunan, China. Semen parameters decreased with increasing age, with turning points noted at different ages. Semen parameters are not absolute evidence for the assessment of male fertility potential. Therefore, we believe that, among semen parameters, the sperm concentration is the best predictor of fertility for ART, followed by motility. Decreased sperm motility may affect natural pregnancy, but it is not necessary for successful IVF.

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Comparative study on the semen quality characteristics of parthenotes and parent toms reared in Nsukka

Nigerian Journal of Animal Production ◽

10.51791/njap.v46i5.288 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 46 (5) ◽

Author(s):

F. U. Udeh ◽

I. J. Ohagenyi ◽

N. E. Ikeh ◽

M. O. Onodugo ◽

V. C. Udeh ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Sperm Cell ◽

Semen Quality ◽

Sperm Concentration ◽

Quality Characteristics ◽

Semen Parameters ◽

Motile Sperm ◽

Semen Collection ◽

Normal Sperm ◽

Abnormal Sperm ◽

Significant Difference

The study was conducted to evaluate the semen quality characteristics of turkey parthenotes and parent toms. A total of twenty-four turkeys were used for the study. These comprised of twelve parthenotes toms and twelve parent toms. Parthenotes are male turkeys produced through parthenogenesis. The toms were subjected to abdominal massage techniques for semen collection. Semen collection was done twice per week and analyzed for volume, motility, sperm concentration, like sperm, abnormal sperm, normal sperm, dead sperm, total sperm/ejaculates and total motile sperm cells. The results showed that there were significant differences (p<0.05) in semen volume, sperm concentration, normal sperm cell, abnormal sperm and total motile sperm with mean values being 0.35mL, 1.74x109/mL, 97.80%, 2.20%, 1.68x1012 and 0.41ml, 1.50x109/mL, 94.00%, 6.00% and 1.42x1012, respectively for both parthenotes and parent toms. However, semen parameters such as motility, live sperm cell, dead sperm cell and total sperm/ejaculate showed no significant difference (p>0.05) with values of 96.7%, 97.7%, 2.30% and 6.07x109 for parthenotes toms and 93.20%, 98.50%, 1.50% and 6.23x109 for parent toms. It was observed from the results that turkey parthenotes possess good quality semen characteristic and therefore, recommended for use in poultry industry for turkey production.

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Effects of Sperm Parameters on Pregnancy Rate in Patients Undergoing Intrauterine Insemination

Gynecology Obstetrics and Reproductive Medicine ◽

10.21613/gorm.2020.1040 ◽

2020 ◽

pp. 1

Author(s):

Mehmet Solakhan ◽

Mustafa Demir

Keyword(s):

Intrauterine Insemination ◽

Sperm Count ◽

Sperm Concentration ◽

Sperm Parameters ◽

Motile Sperm ◽

Progressive Motility ◽

Age Related ◽

Significant Difference ◽

Sperm Volume ◽

Infertile Couples

OBJECTIVE: In this study, the effects of sperm parameters on the success of intrauterine insemination were investigated. STUDY DESIGN: The data from 309 infertile couples who were admitted between 2012-2018 without a female factor were analyzed retrospectively and included in the study. After the administration of gonadotropin and hCG (5000-10000 IU), single insemination was performed in 36-40 hours in all cycles. All couples underwent routine infertility screening. The relationship between sperm parameters (motility, morphology, sperm count), patient age, duration of infertility with intrauterine insemination success was evaluated.RESULTS: There was no statistically significant difference between the two groups in terms of mean age and age related-parity. There was no statistically significant difference between male ages, liquefaction, and sperm volumes between the two groups (p=0.898, p=0.448, p=0.651). Before washing; There was a statistically significant difference between the sperm concentration, percentage of total motile sperm, percentage of progressive motility sperm, percentage of normal sperm morphology, and total sperm count between the two groups (p=0.0001, p=0.0001, p=0.0001, p=0.0001, p=0.0001). After sperm washing; the results were similar to those obtained before washing. While statistically significant difference was observed between sperm volume and sperm concentrations (p=0.023, p=0.018), no significant difference was observed between the two groups in total sperm count (p=0.612).CONCLUSION: As a result, during the application of intrauterine insemination to infertile couples, total motile sperm count, progressive motility sperm count ratio and high sperm ratio with normal morphology used in order to increase pregnancy success can be considered as criteria that increase the chances of success.

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Time to improvement in semen parameters after microsurgical varicocelectomy in men with severe oligospermia

Canadian Urological Association Journal ◽

10.5489/cuaj.5408 ◽

2018 ◽

Vol 13 (3) ◽

Cited By ~ 4

Author(s):

Thomas A. Masterson ◽

Aubrey B. Greer ◽

Ranjith Ramasamy

Keyword(s):

Semen Quality ◽

Intrauterine Insemination ◽

Sperm Count ◽

Semen Analysis ◽

Semen Parameters ◽

Vitro Fertilization ◽

Minimal Improvement ◽

Quality Upgrading ◽

Total Motile Sperm Count

Introduction: We aimed to determine the time and predictive factors of semen quality improvement in men with severe oligospermia after microsurgical varicocelectomy. Methods: Men with total motile sperm count (TMSC) <5 million on two semen analyses were identified from May 2015 to August 2017. Postoperative semen analysis was collected at 3–6 months and >6 months. We evaluated preoperative factors for successful semen quality upgrading based on assisted reproductive technology (ART) eligibility: in vitro fertilization [IVF] (<5 million), intrauterine insemination (IUI) (5–9 million), and natural pregnancy (>9 million). We compared men with TMSC <5 million to those with TMSC 5–9 million. Data are reported as means and standard error of the mean (SEM). Pregnancy data was collected by phone interview at >6 months postoperatively. Results: A total of 33 men were included. TMSC improved from 1.5±0.2 to 7.3±1.8 million at 3–6 months (p<0.05) and 12.2±3.6 million at >6 months (p<0.05). There was no statistical difference in TMSC between 3–6 months and >6 months. Sixteen (48.5%) men upgraded semen quality into the range of natural pregnancy. Preoperative TMSC from 2–5 million was predictive of upgrading semen quality. Twenty-four couples were contacted by phone; 20 were attempting pregnancy in the postoperative period and five (25%) of them had achieved natural pregnancy. Conclusions: Men with TMSC <5 million can expect the largest improvement in TMSC from 3–6 months postoperatively with minimal improvement thereafter. Preoperative TMSC >2 million was most predictive of semen quality upgrading.

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Semen analysis of subfertility caused by testicular carcinoma

International Journal of Reproductive BioMedicine ◽

10.18502/ijrm.v13i7.7371 ◽

2020 ◽

Author(s):

Behrooz Ghasemi ◽

Alimohammad Mosadegh Mehrjardi ◽

Carolyn Jones ◽

Nasrin Ghasemi

Keyword(s):

Testicular Cancer ◽

Semen Quality ◽

Semen Analysis ◽

Correct Diagnosis ◽

Sperm Concentration ◽

Germ Cell Tumors ◽

Normal Morphology ◽

Semen Parameter ◽

Individual Traits ◽

Testicular Carcinoma

Background: Infertility is a common problem in testicular cancer. Affected men often decide to undergo sperm banking before chemo/radiotherapy. The cumulative effects of therapy can considerably reduce fertility. Objective: Testicular cancers impair fertilizing ability, even before diagnosis. This study tries to verify individual traits and semen quality in patients with testicular cancer. Materials and Methods: This observational study analyzed 190 semen of patients with testicular cancer (16 to 47 yr old) referred to the sub-fertility laboratory at the St. Mary hospital for semen banking prior to treatment carcinoma. Several aspects of their semen analyses were examined. The cases were divided into four different categories: seminoma, teratoma, mixed germ cell tumors and others. Results: The results showed that 23 cases were azoospermic, and 13 of the patients who were not azoospermic, their sperm of “normal” morphology were too few to count. Among patients that could produce spermatozoa, 59.4% had a sperm concentration of < 20 × 106/ml. The mean of “motility excellent” and “sluggish” taken together in all the cases was 47.2%. More than 92% of the patients had an abnormal morphology. The morphology of sperm is the most sensitive semen parameter that is affected by testicular carcinoma. Conclusion: Abnormal spermatogenesis is seen in most patients with testicular cancer before treatment with radiation, chemotherapy, or surgery. The causes of poor semen quality in cancer patients are not well-understood, but the patients with impaired spermatogenesis should have precise examination to find out the correct diagnosis of problem and preserve the fertility before any treatment. Key words: Infertility, Testicular cancer, Semen analyses, Spermatogenesis.

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PSIII-1 Influence of prenatal or postnatal exposure to gossypol from cottonseed meal on semen quality in commercial boars: a preliminary study on feral hog control

Journal of Animal Science ◽

10.1093/jas/skab235.522 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 99 (Supplement_3) ◽

pp. 284-285

Author(s):

Randi F Benefield ◽

Richard A Mudarra ◽

Tsung-Cheng Cheng Tsai ◽

Christopher R Hansen ◽

Charles V Maxwell ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Cottonseed Meal ◽

Semen Quality ◽

Sperm Concentration ◽

Sperm Cells ◽

Motile Sperm ◽

Postnatal Exposure ◽

Treatment Groups ◽

Progressive Motility ◽

Feral Hog ◽

Chi Square Analysis

Abstract The objective was to examine the influence of prenatal (Experiment 1) or postnatal (Experiment 2) exposure to gossypol from cottonseed meal (CSM) on semen quality in commercial boars. In Experiment 1, pregnant sows (n = 5) were fed a diet containing 0% (n = 1), 0.04% (n = 2), or 0.08% (n = 2) gossypol between d 56 and 86 of gestation. Boars (n = 11) born to sows in each treatment group (0% gossypol n = 3; 0.04% gossypol n = 4; 0.08% gossypol n = 4) were fed a common diet without CSM, and semen was collected at 269±2 d of age using a live sow in estrus. In Experiment 2, boars (n = 21) were fed a diet containing 0%, 0.02%, or 0.04% gossypol between 63±1 and 105±1 d of age (Initial BW: 19.85±0.43 kg). After the treatment period, boars were fed a common diet without CSM, and semen was collected at 238±7 d of age using a breeding dummy. Sperm cell concentration, percentage of motile sperm cells, and percentage of progressively motile sperm cells were analyzed using the MIXED procedure of SAS with treatment as a fixed effect in Experiment 1 and 2 and dam as a random effect in Experiment 1. In Experiment 2, semen was not successfully collected from every boar; therefore, chi-square analysis was used to assess semen collection status between treatment groups using the FREQ procedure of SAS. In Experiment 1, there was no difference in sperm concentration (P = 0.45), percent motility (P = 0.71), or percent progressive motility (P = 0.27) between treatment groups. In Experiment 2, there was no difference in sperm concentration (P = 0.72), percent motility (P = 0.17), or percent progressive motility (P = 0.87) between treatment groups. No difference was observed in boar collection status between treatment groups (P = 0.77). In conclusion, prenatal or postnatal exposure to gossypol from CSM did not influence semen quality in commercial boars.

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Association between obesity-associated markers and semen quality parameters and serum reproductive hormones in Chinese infertile men

Reproductive Biology and Endocrinology ◽

10.1186/s12958-020-00652-6 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 18 (1) ◽

Author(s):

Jian-Xiong Ma ◽

Bin Wang ◽

Hai-Song Li ◽

Xue-Juan Jiang ◽

Jia Yu ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Semen Quality ◽

Sperm Concentration ◽

Density Lipoprotein ◽

Quality Parameters ◽

Reproductive Hormones ◽

Normal Group ◽

Semen Parameters ◽

Progressive Motility ◽

Infertile Men ◽

The Relationship

Abstract Background The current evidence on the association between obesity-associated markers and semen quality, serum reproductive hormones and lipids remains inconsistent. In this study, we tested the hypothesis that, in infertile Chinese men, body mass index (BMI) negatively correlates with sperm concentration, serum total testosterone (TT), and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C). The relationship between other obesity-associated markers and semen quality parameters, serum reproductive hormones, lipids and leptin were also investigated. Methods 181 Chinese infertile men were recruited from September 2018 to September 2019. Their obesity-associated markers, semen parameters, and serum reproductive hormones, lipids and leptin were detected. Statistical analysis was performed to assess the relationship between obesity-associated markers and semen quality, serum reproductive hormones, lipids and leptin. Result(s) Statistically negative correlation was found between other obesity-associated markers (e.g. waist-to-hip ratio and waist-to-height ratio) and semen parameters (e.g. sperm concentration, ratio of progressive motility and ratio of non-progressive motility), while no significant correlation was found between BMI and semen quality, serum reproductive hormones, lipids and leptin. Ratio of morphologically normal sperm was negatively correlated with serum lipids including total cholesterol (TC) and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), leptin and seminal superoxide dismutase. Ratio of progressive sperm, sperm concentration and ratio of morphologically normal sperm exhibited significantly lower values in overweight group than normal group. Estradiol (E2) and E2/TT were significantly higher in obese group than normal group, while TT level was significantly lower in obese group than normal group. Univariate and multivariate analysis indicated that TC was significantly associated with BMI. Serum leptin concentration was positively correlated with seminal leptin concentration in overweight and obese groups. Conclusion(s) No significant correlation was found between BMI and sperm concentration, serum TT and HDL-C, while other obesity-associated markers were found to negatively correlate with sperm concentration, ratio of progressive motility and ratio of non-progressive motility. Statistically significant correlations between serum reproductive hormones, lipids and leptin also existed in Chinese infertile men.

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Effect of glutathione S-transferase gene polymorphisms on semen quality in patients with idiopathic male infertility

Journal of International Medical Research ◽

10.1177/03000605211061045 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 49 (12) ◽

pp. 030006052110610

Author(s):

Hongyan Zhang ◽

Jun He ◽

Yili Zhao ◽

Qifei Wu ◽

Tiejun Zou ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Genetic Variants ◽

Semen Quality ◽

Sperm Concentration ◽

Enzyme Linked Immunosorbent Assay ◽

Computer Assisted ◽

Glutathione S Transferase ◽

Idiopathic Infertility ◽

Head Displacement ◽

Infertile Men ◽

Lateral Head

Objective To investigate the relationship between glutathione S-transferase enzyme ( GSTM1, T1, and P1) genetic variants and semen quality in men with idiopathic infertility. Methods Sperm characteristics were measured using computer-assisted sperm analysis. The malondialdehyde (MDA), nitric oxide (NO), and total antioxidant capacity (TAC) activities were detected by spectroscopic analysis, and 8-hydroxy-2′-deoxyguanosine (8-OHdG) was detected by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Results This study included 246 idiopathic infertile men and 117 controls. The GSTM1(−), T1(−), and M1/T1(−/−) genotype frequencies significantly differed between the groups. The GSTM1(−) and T1(−) genotypes in idiopathic infertile men negatively correlated with sperm concentration, motility, mitochondrial membrane potential, and other parameters. However, these genotypes positively correlated with the amplitude of the lateral head displacement and NO and 8-OHdG levels. The GSTT1(−) genotype positively correlated with mean angular displacement and MDA activity. GSTM1(−) and T1(−) had a synergistic effect on semen quality. Sperm motility, normal morphology, straightness, and TAC were lower and amplitude of lateral head displacement and MDA were higher in the GSTP1(A/G + G/G) group than in the GSTP1(A/A) group among men with idiopathic infertility. Conclusions GSTM1, T1, and P1 genetic variants may be risk factors for infertility by affecting the semen quality men with idiopathic oligoasthenospermia.

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Testosterone and semen seasonality for the sand tiger shark Carcharias taurus†

Biology of Reproduction ◽

10.1093/biolre/ioz221 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 102 (4) ◽

pp. 876-887 ◽

Cited By ~ 3

Author(s):

Jennifer T Wyffels ◽

Robert George ◽

Lance Adams ◽

Cayman Adams ◽

Tonya Clauss ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Plasma Membrane ◽

Semen Quality ◽

Sperm Concentration ◽

Membrane Integrity ◽

Tiger Shark ◽

Motile Sperm ◽

Testosterone Concentration ◽

Plasma Membrane Integrity ◽

Carcharias Taurus

Abstract Understanding the fundamental reproductive biology of a species is the first step toward identifying parameters that are critical for reproduction and for the development of assisted reproductive techniques. Ejaculates were collected from aquarium (n = 24) and in situ (n = 34) sand tiger sharks Carcharias taurus. Volume, pH, osmolarity, sperm concentration, motility, status, morphology, and plasma membrane integrity were assessed for each ejaculate. Semen with the highest proportion of motile sperm was collected between April and June for both in situ and aquarium sand tiger sharks indicating a seasonal reproductive cycle. Overall, 17 of 30 semen samples collected from aquarium sharks from April through June contained motile sperm compared to 29 of 29 of in situ sharks, demonstrating semen quality differences between aquarium and in situ sharks. Sperm motility, status, morphology, and plasma membrane integrity were significantly higher (P < 0.05) for in situ compared to aquarium sand tiger sharks. Testosterone was measured by an enzyme immunoassay validated for the species. Testosterone concentration was seasonal for both aquarium and in situ sharks with highest concentrations measured in spring and lowest in summer. In situ sharks had higher (P < 0.05) testosterone concentration in spring than aquarium sharks. This study demonstrated annual reproduction with spring seasonality for male sand tiger sharks through marked seasonal differences in testosterone and semen production. Lower testosterone and poorer semen quality was observed in aquarium sharks likely contributing to the species’ limited reproductive success in aquariums.

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Association between BMI and semen quality: an observational study of 3966 sperm donors

Human Reproduction ◽

10.1093/humrep/dey328 ◽

2018 ◽

Vol 34 (1) ◽

pp. 155-162 ◽

Cited By ~ 16

Author(s):

Jixuan Ma ◽

Li Wu ◽

Yun Zhou ◽

Hai Zhang ◽

Chengliang Xiong ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Observational Study ◽

Semen Quality ◽

Sperm Count ◽

Sperm Concentration ◽

Normal Weight ◽

Motile Sperm ◽

Sperm Number ◽

Sperm Donors ◽

Semen Volume ◽

Total Motile Sperm Count

Abstract STUDY QUESTION What is the relationship between abnormal BMI and semen quality? SUMMARY ANSWER Underweight was significantly associated with lower sperm concentration, total sperm number and total motile sperm count, while overweight was significantly associated with lower semen volume, total sperm number and total motile sperm count. WHAT IS KNOWN ALREADY Abnormal BMI has been associated with lower semen quality, but the results remain somewhat controversial. In addition, most previous studies have focused on the influence of obesity or overweight on semen quality, and evidence on the association between underweight and semen quality is rare. STUDY DESIGN, SIZE, DURATION This research was an observational study investigating 3966 sperm donors from a large sperm bank in Wuhan city, China. These donors passed the screening for sperm donation and underwent 29 949 semen examinations between 1 January 2013 and 9 April 2018. PARTICIPANTS/MATERIALS, SETTING, METHODS BMI was categorized into four groups: underweight (<18.5 kg/m2), normal weight (18.5–24.9 kg/m2), overweight (25–29.9 kg/m2) and obese (≥30 kg/m2). Semen volume, sperm concentration, total sperm number, total motility, progressive motility and total motile sperm count were determined by trained clinical technicians. Linear mixed models were used to conduct dose–response analyses between BMI and semen quality parameters. MAIN RESULTS AND THE ROLE OF CHANCE Underweight was significantly associated with a 3.0% (95% CI: 0.1%, 5.8%), 6.7% (1.9%, 11.3%) and 7.4% (2.2%, 12.4%) reduction in sperm concentration, total sperm number and total motile sperm count, respectively. Overweight was significantly associated with a 4.2% (1.6%, 6.8%), 3.9% (0.9%, 6.9%) and 3.6% (0.2%, 6.9%) reduction in semen volume, total sperm number and total motile sperm count, respectively. Non-linear models including continuous BMI as a natural cubic spline function yielded similar results. LIMITATIONS, REASONS FOR CAUTION Our study subjects were sperm donors who are typically young and healthy, and therefore not representative of the general male population. Caution should be paid in generalizing our results to other populations. Furthermore, we did not measure the donors’ weight repeatedly along with each semen donation; instead, we only measured it once during the screening, which may cause bias due to the variations of weight across time. WIDER IMPLICATIONS OF THE FINDINGS Our study provides evidence that underweight and overweight are associated with lower semen quality, and highlights the importance of maintaining a normal weight for men. STUDY FUNDING/COMPETING INTEREST(S) This work was supported by the Health and Family Planning Commission of Hubei Province (Grant number WJ2015MA027), the Hubei Provincial Committee of the Communist Youth League of China, and Center for Global and Regional Environmental Research at the University of Iowa. The authors declare that there are no conflicts of interest. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER N/A.

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